When the clock struck midnight on the first day of 2020, none of us could have expected that something this deadly of a pandemic would be hitting us in full force very soon in the midst of all our revelry.
Most of us would’ve made plans on what to do this year, or where to travel to, only to have those hopes dashed in a matter of months as the COVID-19 situation escalated globally.
However, the ones who have truly persevered through this tough situation this year to keep everyone in good health on the very frontline are none other than our healthcare workers – and in appreciating that, the Minister of Health penned down his gratitude in a heartwarming letter.
Dear Healthcare Workers…
Mr Gan Kim Yong, the Minister of Health, wrote to the healthcare workers as his colleagues in a letter shared on the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page to commemorate the ending of this tough year and Singapore’s movement into Phase 3.
Looking back on the days where Singapore saw our first imported COVID-19 case on 23 January, Mr Gan, the co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force, said the nation had come a long way since then.
Despite 2020 being a “gruelling” year with moments of “despair and hopelessness”, the healthcare family also came together this year to keep Singapore safe, bringing about a sense of “mission, purpose and camaraderie”, he added.
As of 28 December, Monday, Singapore has recorded a total of 58,529 COVID-19 cases, 29 of which have unfortunately passed away due to the virus.
Although uncertain and anxious initially, Mr Gan praised the team for the quick improvisation and adaptation of processes and structures to care for every patient in better ways, whether related to COVID-19 or not.
Deploying medical teams to community care facilities and dormitories, augmenting the healthcare workforce and working with partners in the public and private sectors for screening and testing are only but some of the ways they managed to pull through.
In April, when the infection rate was at its peak here with more than 1,400 new recorded cases per day, Singapore never saw giving up as an option, the minister wrote.
“As a nation, we pressed on, and through a colossal effort, with every Singaporean playing their part, we eventually managed to bring our local transmissions down to its low levels today, with zero cases on some days,” he added.
Healthcare Workers Played “Pivotal Roles”
Thanking the healthcare workers for taking Singapore so far in its journey against fighting COVID-19, Mr Gan said that their roles were pivotal in doing so.
“That Singapore’s COVID-19 fatality rate is amongst the lowest in the world is by no means a stroke of luck. It is a testament of your hard work, perseverance and sacrifice,” he praised.
He also shared how many healthcare workers in our “excellent healthcare system and an outstanding healthcare workforce who never wavered in your commitment to keep every patient safe” went the extra mile to care for and comfort these patients in their darkest hours.
Even though news of the vaccine has finally broken through with Singapore bound to start our vaccination plan at the end of the month, giving us the hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel, the minister warned that “vaccination is not a silver bullet that can bring a quick end to the pandemic”.
However, he expressed his confidence that the healthcare sector will be able to steel their resolve and find strength to continue facing whatever adversity may come next.
We Still Have To Be Vigilant During Phase 3
Mr Lawrence Wong, fellow co-chair of the multi-ministry task force and the face of the fight against COVID-19, also reminded the public to continue keeping to safe distancing measures without letting our guards down as we open for Phase 3.
“Around the world, some experts are already warning about a post-seasonal surge in cases, as people are ignoring restrictions and flocking together for festive celebrations,” he said, bringing attention to the new coronavirus strain hailing from the UK needing our continued vigilance as well.
Enforcement checks will be stepped up and those who have been found to breach these rules will be taken strict action against, even if it was their first offence, Mr Wong added. This is in reference to some residents still flouting the social distancing rules with large group gatherings and multiple table bookings in restaurants.
If caught, consequences could include fines and outlet closures, with work pass holders risking having their passes revoked.
“So let’s stay focused and get through the next few months safely, until we are able to get everyone in Singapore vaccinated,” encouraged Mr Wong – so let’s all play our part alongside one another to get through this storm.
Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com & MOH
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